What are the recent archaeological findings in Andhra Pradesh?
Rudragiri hillock, located in the village of Orvakallu, Atchampet mandal, in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, boasts a celebrated historical past and remarkable archaeological monuments.
This site unveils a fascinating combination of prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic period and exquisite artwork from the Kakatiya dynasty.
Rudragiri, nestled amidst the Eastern Ghats, features five naturally formed rock shelters at its foothills, facing westward.
These shelters served as living quarters for people during the Mesolithic age around 5000 B.C., and they bear witness to the luminous rock paintings of that era.
Two natural caves at the southern end of the hillock also exhibit exceptional murals from the renowned Kakatiya kingdom.
Physical condition of the Kakatiya artworks:
These caves showcase the artistic brilliance of the Kakatiya period.
The paintings, adorned with a variety of colours derived from white kaolin and different pigments, depict captivating scenes from the epic Ramayana.
Despite the impact of nature’s wrath, fragments of these paintings offer valuable insights into their creation during the 13th century A.D.
The first cave, presents a narrative mural portraying the intense battle between the Vanara brothers — Vali and Sugriva.
In the middle cave, a grand sketch of Hanuman, accompanied by sacred symbols of the conch (Sankha) and the fire altar (Yagna Vedi), captures visitors’ attention.
Hanuman is depicted carrying the Sanjivani hill in his hand, symbolising his mission to save Lakshmana’s life.
The third cave houses the prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic era.
Interestingly, the Kakatiya artist chose the same rock shelter to superimpose the elegant figure of Hanuman, who is portrayed in a unique ‘Anjali’ posture, folding his hands in a divine offering.
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